The Nut-Weevil 
Heaven forbid—should allow himself to be 
beguiled by her, let him remember my warn- 
ing: in exchange for the little secrets which 
she reveals to us, she demands much graver 
sacrifices than a handful of nuts.” 
The prohibition is understood; the tempt- 
ing fruit is left almost untouched. For my 
part, I inspect the nuts assiduously. All my 
trouble is unavailing: I do not succeed in 
surprising a Balaninus engaged in her patient 
task of boring. At the utmost, at sunset, I 
happen to see one who, hoisted to her full 
height, is trying to insert her drill. The 
little that I observe teaches me nothing new; 
the Acorn-weevil has already shown me as 
much. 
In any case, it is only a brief attempt. 
The insect is casting about and has not yet 
found what suits her. Perhaps the per- 
forator of hazel-nuts works at night. 
In another respect I have been more 
fortunate. Some nuts, some of the first 
colonized, are laid by in my study and sub- 
jected to frequent inspections. My diligence 
is rewarded with success. 
At the beginning of August, two larve 
leave their coffers before my eyes. They 
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